Liverpool vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction
Re-live all the action from Anfield as Liverpool hosted Aston Villa
Roberto Firmino scored a dramatic late equaliser to keep Liverpool’s slim chances of a top-four Premier League finish alive with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Brazilian, in his final appearance at Anfield after eight seasons with the Merseyside club, scored in the 89th minute to the delight of the crowd in Liverpool’s last home game of the season.
Juergen Klopp’s side are fifth with 66 points with one game remaining, but three points adrift of fourth-place Manchester United who have a game in hand. Unai Emery’s Villa are seventh with 58 points from 37 games.
Jacob Ramsey put Villa ahead in the 27th minute, after a period of sustained pressure, darting to the back post to head a cross from Douglas Luiz past goalkeeper Allison.
Villa could have taken the lead five minutes earlier when they were awarded a penalty, but Ollie Watkins sent his shot sailing wide.
Liverpool thought they had levelled early in the second half from a close-range goal by Cody Gakpo, but after a lengthy VAR check it was ruled out for offside.
Liverpool must win their final game at Southampton next week, and hope that Man United and Newcastle United lose their remaining two games to secure a Champions League berth.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Diaz! Arguably the best chance of the game now for Liverpool, but their forward cannot keep his header down as he loops it wide to the right, leaving Martinez untested.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Oh, that is an excellent bit of invention from the set-piece by Villa, who play it down the short side to Ramsey rather than aim for the wall in the box. Alisson is alert and gets a good stop on it.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Fabinho puts a fairly needless shove on in the tackle and the free-kick goes to Villa. McGinn is pretty unhappy with the decision-making process so far, and lets the referee know.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Bailey is back on his feet and fit to carry on. The game resumes.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Gakpo almost brings the ball under control on the lip of the Villa box, before Konsa sweeps in and ferries it to safety. Liverpool are getting a little frustrated right now.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Bailey takes a tumble in a high challenge with Robinson, and the game comes to a halt for him to receive medical attention.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
A Liverpool corner sees Konate have a half-chance blocked, before the Reds continue to threaten around the edge of the area. Jurgen Klopp is making some big gestures from his perch.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa
That goal has ignited Anfield into full voice once more, and Liverpool pour forward, looking for an immediate response. Villa's defence is going to have some work to do before the break.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments